Jim Machacek, 81

G. James “Jim” Machacek, 81, was born on February 11, 1931 to George and Antoinette (Proshek) of Northfield, Minnesota. A lifelong resident of Northfield, Jim graduated from high school in 1949, where he lettered in football and track. Jim graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1953 with a degree in engineering and often travelled to Albuquerque on his motorcycle.

A train fan throughout his life, he visited local railroads as a boy and in 1964 bought a ten-ton narrow-gauge steam locomotive for which he built a railroad that carried many friends during the second weekend of October for nearly 40 years. Jim married Marilyn in 1957; they shared a passion for collecting antiques and railroad memorabilia. Jim and Marilyn both loved Northfield and had many friends and acquaintances from all parts of the community. He was always willing to share an encyclopedic knowledge of Northfield's history and characters.

Jim worked at the family business, Northfield Foundry, until 1964. He spoke of many fond memories of working there with his father and grandfather. In 1964, he founded Northfield Equipment and Manufacturing. NEMCo quickly became one of the top manufacturers in the world of specialized conveyors for the frozen food industry. The company grew to 50 employees and eventually attracted the interest of a large company which bought Northfield Equipment in 1996.

Jim was active in many Northfield industrial and business groups that helped Northfield business grow in the 60s and 70s. He was also active in many service organizations such as the Lions. He was instrumental in building the first indoor hockey arena in Northfield and bringing high school hockey here as a varsity sport in 1976-77. The local hockey association gives an award each year in Jim’s name.

Jim died on June 22, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn (Christie); his brother Charles; and his parents George and Antoinette (Proshek). He is survived by his son Charles and wife Helen Hughes of Plano, Texas; son David and wife Kari Alberg of Northfield; son Brian of Northfield; granddaughter Margaret Hughes; and sister-in-law Laura. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday, June 27 at the Benson Langehough Funeral Home of Northfield, and Service and Interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Northfield at 10am on Thursday, June 28. A reception will follow the service at the Northfield Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Northfield Hockey Association.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.